The Best Way To Clean Your Water Bottle, According to Owala

We’re in our Reusable Water Bottles Era—if you don’t have one, it’s like you’re not part of a special club. And with all the aesthetically pleasing options out there, it's easier than ever to stay hydrated and look cool while doing it.

On a personal note, my water bottle is practically an extension of myself. While I’m good about staying hydrated, I have one question: How exactly do I clean this thing? I turned to Owala, one of the trendiest water bottle brands on the market, to answer all my cleaning questions. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Water Bottle? 

Chad Sorensen, the brand director at Owala, recommends keeping a tight cleaning schedule to avoid bacteria build-up. “If you use your bottle daily, we recommend rinsing it daily with soap and warm water—especially if you use it to drink liquids other than water,” he says.

Owala’s Deep Cleaning Water Bottle Method

Sometimes, your water bottle needs a little extra love. If the above method isn’t cutting it, it’s time to turn to deep cleaning. Here are Owala's recommendations:

1. Scrub and rinse all components with warm, soapy water.
2. Soak the components in distilled white vinegar for up to 24 hours (the longer the better).
3. If you need an even deeper clean, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons baking soda with 2 to 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar and scrub the solution into any remaining spots.
4. Rinse everything with warm water or run it through the dishwasher. Owala's lids are top rack dishwasher safe, and gaskets and straws can go in the utensil bin; be sure to check your water bottle manufacturer for dishwashing instructions.
5. Let everything air-dry before reassembly.

Our research uncovered that some Stanley cups are dishwasher safe, but handwashing is also recommended. Yeti cups are fully dishwasher safe, and Hydroflask has varied guidance.

What if an Even Deeper Clean Is Needed?

For scuffs and difficult grime, Owala first suggests using warm, soapy water and wiping with a non-abrasive towel. A wet Magic Eraser and a bit of soap may help remove remaining smudges.

If you need to get rid of a bad smell, you can make a solution of one part water, one part vinegar, and 1 to 2 tablespoons baking soda per part. Add these ingredients to your water bottle cup and let sit for up to 24 hours. “Do not twist the lid on during this cleaning process, as pressure may build up, resulting in the flip top opening unexpectedly,” Sorensen cautions. Instead, disassemble all the parts of the lid and put them in a bowl with the same solution.

No matter what type of cleaning you’re doing, limiting cleaning products to mild soaps and natural ingredients is key. “Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning agents are unnecessary and often do more harm than good to the bottle’s finish,” Sorenson warns. Simple—and often—is best.